Joseph Eldon Thurstenson

Joseph Eldon Thurstenson, born September 15, 1938 in Spencer, Nebraska, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on May 4, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. Joe was the beloved husband of Edith Awynne Thurstenson for 60 beautiful years. Together they built a life rooted in faith, love, and service. He was the devoted father of Ricky Joe Thurstenson, Christopher David Thurstenson, Jeffery Marc Thurstenson, John Josef Thurstenson, and Benjamin Lee Thurstenson. He was a proud grandfather to many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and he cherished every moment spent with his growing family. Joe was preceded in death by his parents, John Josef Thurstenson and Elsie Lilian Gall Thurstenson, and his brother, David Levi Thurstenson. He is survived by his siblings: Twylla Helmcamp, Denise Crane-Scott, Linda Miller, and Dawn Brittain-Haskins, along with many dear nieces and nephews. A man whose life was centered on Christ, Joe graduated with a degree in ministry from Lincoln Christian College. He served as a youth minister and Christian camp counselor, touching countless young lives with the Gospel. For many years, he and Awynne served faithfully as house-parents at Cookson Hills Christian Ministries, where they raised and loved numerous foster children as their own. Later in his career, Joe worked as Personnel Director at La-Z-Boy until his retirement. In his retirement years, he found joy in serving as a bus driver for Siloam Springs Public Schools, earning a second retirement while continuing to invest in the lives of children and families. Joe had a deep love for music and worship. He played the organ beautifully, sang with a joyful heart, and directed many youth and adult choirs. He served as an elder at Community Christian Fellowship and opened his home generously, where Awynne’s hearty meals and warm hospitality created a place of fellowship and belonging for so many. Joe and Awynne spent several summers serving on mission teams and with choirs in Northern Ireland through John Brown University. He also found simple joys on their 5-acre family farm in the Illinois River Valley south of Siloam Springs, which he purchased in 1976. There he raised chickens, rabbits, and tumbling pigeons, and created a loving home where his family thrived. Even after the farm passed to his youngest son Ben, Joe continued to live there surrounded by the life and memories they had built together. An avid genealogist, Joe built one of the largest private family history databases in existence. His passion for connecting generations reflected his deep appreciation for family and legacy. Above all, Joe’s life was defined by his faithful service to Christ, his unwavering commitment to his family, and his joyful service to the church. He leaves behind a legacy of faith, love, and generosity that will continue to bless generations to come.

Tributes

Joseph Eldon Thurstenson

September 15, 1938 - May 4, 2026